Keeping up with the commotion of the modern world can cause stress, because it's never the same. Stop trying! Stay with the old-fashioned ways.

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Steps

Method 1 of 2: Appearance

1

First decide which time period you want to stick with. Nancy Drew went with the 1940's innocent look, you can go for a 1970's style, but keep in mind you could be labeled "hippie" or "flower child". But if that was the look you were going for, then fine.

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2

Wear your hair naturally, whether straight or curly. If you put your hair in a braid, ponytail, or up in any way, wear a ribbon. Do not put your hair into a messy ponytail. Bangs are okay. Part your hair to the side and wear a headband, if it is down. You can dye it strawberry blonde or red, if you want and get colored contacts for blue eyes.

3

Stay fresh and clean. Take a shower at least once a day. Brush your teeth and wash your face twice a day. No old-fashioned girl would go out on the town with an unpleasant smell.

4

Have a preppy, classic wardrobe. Be modest and wear preppy clothes from stores like J. Crew, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, etc. If you want more high end clothing try Burberry, who are known for their plaid. Be original too. An interesting option is pleated or pencil skirts. Also, trench coats seem to always give an old fashioned glow. They add to the timeless sincerity of the outfit.

5

Improve your posture. Good posture will give the impression of self confidence (even if you don't feel that way on the inside). While walking, maintain a relaxed yet definitive upright posture: spine long, shoulders back, head level with the ground. This may feel awkward or overpowering to you when you first practice it, but keep on trying.

6

Maintain your nails. Clear coat on your fingernails; color or French pedicure on your toes. Don't let the skin around them get dry to the point that they crack, and no biting your nails. If you polish them, go for a natural French manicure, clear polish, or even neutral, solid-colored polish (not bold, like red or blue or black). Don't let the polish chip off, and don't let your nails get too long. Nails should be in neutral colors and medium short in length.

Method 2 of 2: Lifestyle

1

Read. Make reading and history your favorite subjects, classic novels, and pretty much anything traditional that you can get your hands on!

2

Increase your vocabulary, and stay away from slang terms. Never swear or say racist comments. This makes you ugly on inside and out, so rude.

3

Dress up the house, or at least your room.do some research on how old-fashioned bedrooms/homes where decorated. World Market has amazing old-world pieces, try other stores also.

4

Stop swearing. It may be hard to cut out, but swearing is one of the worst things you could do, if you're trying to be ladylike. Try making a deal with your friends about not swearing for a day. Just think about proving to everyone you have the willpower and self-control to actually control and think about what comes out of your mouth. Definitely say things like "shoot" and "idiot". Try not to use bad words like "crap" or "moron". They're not okay. Try to make very calm and civil comebacks, not the regular old stuff. It'll take practice, but it's a huge step towards being innocent and old-fashioned.

5

Always be nice, clean and generous. Having a selfish and nasty attitude towards others will drag you very far away from being lady like. Always have a smile on your face, and be willing to let people borrow things from you. Don't forget to get a classic shower with a scented soap! Soaps with sandal is the great one.

6

Be graceful. This is a difficult step, but also a crucial one. Being graceful doesn't mean you have to hate sports and walk on tiptoe. Just make sure you walk with your head up, shoulders rolled back and your back straight. Don't swagger, or swing your hips. It looks exaggerated and weird. Don't swing your arms either - keep them by your side.

7

At home, try your best to please your family. Go to bed on time, offer to wash the dishes, bring in the groceries, teach your little brother how to tie his shoes, etc. No matter how tempting it is, if you know there's something you should be doing (no matter how badly you don't want to do it), do it!

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Tips

If you are copying any period from medieval times to the late 1800s, a cloak or cape is a good thing to add to your wardrobe. People may stare at you for wearing such a thing, but it really does look cool.

Depending on the time period and culture you're copying things might be different.

Appearances convey a strong message to others; you can be prejudged as an individual in ways that will play a prominent role in your future (e.g.: a prospective employer, acquiring a higher position in a reputable company, etc.). Therefore, take careful consideration when deciding whether it is a good idea for you to get easily visible tattoos or body piercings. Even though a person's outward appearance does not automatically show his or her true inner qualities, appearances can reflect how a person is willing to be perceived by the world. Although tattoos and piercings are individual expressions, they are permanent and difficult (costly) to remove, if you change your mind (go a new way) in the future. If you are in doubt about how tattoos and piercings may impact you in the future, find other ways to show self expression, such as creating works of art, poetry, hobbies, etc.

Buy a tee-shirt expressing your current idea and then get a new shirt in a month rather than a tat. Change shirts (extreme or mild, whatever) as moods/view points change! (Think of an old tee-shirt or arm band, glued or sewn onto your body -- tah-dah: old tat!)

Never think that you're less than a male! Old Fashioned people know that they are not less then a guy but that they are better at different things.

Warnings

Show intelligence. A classy girl should have good topics to talk intelligently. So study about things that you find interesting and important for life. Read books and improve your vocabulary, and "don't 'like' use the word 'like', 'like' all the time"; it's a sign of poor communication-skills and nervousness. People will admire you because you're smart and have confidence; that may be very convenient to you.

Value your virtues. If you have any good skill or kind of talent, such as drawing, or dancing, singing or playing any musical instrument, do not hide it, work it. Let people see how good you are by exposing your pictures, or maybe playing a musical instrument in front of someone. If you're good at acting, look for a part in any play at theater.

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